Bengaluru's Water Woes And Nature's Solution: The Story Of Indian Laurel Tree Also Known As Terminalia Tomento

Bengaluru's water woes are reaching new heights, with even skyscrapers feeling the pinch. However, a glimmer of hope emerges from an unexpected source: Andhra Pradesh's Papikonda National Park.

Recently, a video showing a stream of water coming out of a tree in Andhra Pradesh after its bark was cut, went viral on the Internet.

Forest Department authorities in Andhra Pradesh discovered that Matti, or Indian Laurel, Terminalia elliptica in the Papikonda National Park store water, particularly in the summer. The indigenous Konda Reddi tribe's knowledge about these trees proved crucial in this discovery.

When the authorities cut the bark of an Indian laurel tree, water splashed out, indicating its water storage capacity. This unique adaptation allows the tree to store water with a strong smell and sour taste, crucial during parched summers.

A Natural Reservoir: The Indian Laurel Tree

Terminalia tomentosa is a large tree species found in deciduous forests. From November to February, the tree stands bare, and can be identified by its scissored and cracked bark. Since this gives the trees an appearance of a crocodile, the species is commonly known as the crocodile bark tree.

Not all members of the species can store water in the stem. Only five to ten per cent of the population of Terminalia tomentosa have been observed to store water in the stem. These are mostly old trees.

Water Storage for Survival: How it Works

The members which store water develop a lateral ridge that is two to three feet long, and half a foot thick on their trunk, five to ten feet above the ground. This lateral ridge, known as wing, indicates the presence of water in the stem, according to an August 2004 study published in the journal Current Science.

Can store 4 to 6 litres of water

Sometimes, two wings are formed on the opposite sides of the trunk. At least four to six litres of water can be collected from a fully grown tree. All one needs to do is make a small hole in the tip of the lateral ridge with the help of a sickle. The water is of potable quality, despite being slightly off-flavoured and orange-yellowish in colour due to dissolved phytochemicals. Tribal people often cut the bark of the tree to obtain water and quench their thirst in summer.

Talking to OneIndia, Dr. Shranya Khushlan, Post Doctoral Assosciate at Rutgers University New Jersey USA, explains that Terminalia tomentosa, also known as crocodile bark tree, is a promising option for Bengaluru's climate. Unlike the widely planted succulent tree, Terminalia tomentosa thrives in various conditions, including harsh weather and drought. This is thanks to specialised tissues that store significant amounts of water.

Beyond Terminalia tomentosa, several other drought-resistant plants exist. These require well-draining soil with a mix of sand and clay, which allows for good aeration and moisture retention. This type of soil is readily available in Bengaluru, making it suitable for planting these trees.

The ideal soil pH for Terminalia tomentosa is slightly acidic to neutral (6-7), as this range ensures optimal nutrient availability. However, urbanisation might have increased Bengaluru's soil acidity.

Millingtonia hortensis: the Indian Cork Tree

For those seeking alternatives, Dr. Khushlan suggests Millingtonia hortensis, the Indian Cork Tree. This native Asian tree boasts attractive foliage and fragrant white flowers, making it ideal for landscaping. Notably, Millingtonia hortensis also stores significant water reserves. While currently found primarily in Mangaluru region, its white flowers and drought tolerance make it a potential candidate for Bengaluru's green infrastructure.

The discovery of these water-storing trees raises an important question: Can similar techniques be applied to address Bengaluru's water crisis? With depleting groundwater levels and erratic rainfall patterns, exploring traditional knowledge and innovative methods, like planting drought-resistant trees, could be crucial for sustainable water management in the city.

Implementing such solutions would require a holistic approach, involving an understanding of the local ecosystem, collaboration with indigenous communities possessing valuable knowledge, and establishing conservation measures to protect these vital trees.

By learning from nature's resilience, as demonstrated by the Indian laurel trees of Andhra Pradesh, Bengaluru can take a significant step towards a more sustainable future with improved water management.